Tonga attends regional Defense Ministers meeting

A meeting is currently underway in Auckland, New Zealand for Defense Ministers from around the Pacific Tonga included in various issues.

Various issues are being discussed such as ways to strengthen regional security, address security challenges and to improve co operation and co ordination on regional defense issues.

They will also discuss disaster responses, peacekeeping developments as well as women in armed forces.

During the meeting leaders will share observations on improvements that can be made together including lessons from last November’s Kaikoura earthquake response and tropical Cyclone Winston in Fiji last year.

Tonga is represented at the meeting by the Deputy Prime Minister – Hon Siaosi Sovaleni, Chief of His Majesty’s Armed Forces – Brigadier General Lord Fielakepa and Major Soane ‘Aholelei.

Also attending the meeting are ministers and senior officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand and PNG.